A story that takes you beyond the Netherlands
Learning Dutch is about so much more than grammar and vocabulary. Through books, you can discover new perspectives, cultures and stories connected to the Dutch language. Onder the Paramaribo by Johan Fretz is a wonderful example.
This engaging and personal story takes you on a journey to Suriname, a country on the northeast coast of South America with deep historical, cultural and linguistic ties to the Netherlands. Suriname was a Dutch colony until it gained independence in 1975, and Dutch remains the country’s official language today. Its rich culture has been shaped by Indigenous, African, Indian, Javanese, Chinese and European influences, among others.
A personal journey to Suriname
Author Johan Fretz is a Dutch writer, theater maker and documentary maker. In Onder the Paramaribo, he travels to Suriname, the country of his father’s roots, to explore his family history and his own identity.
Along the way, readers encounter people, places and stories that help bring Suriname closer. The book explores universal themes such as family, heritage, migration, belonging and the question of where you truly feel at home.
For many expats and internationals, these themes may feel surprisingly familiar. Moving to another country often changes the way you think about your own background, culture and identity.
Learn Dutch through stories and culture
Reading in Dutch is a fantastic way to take your language skills beyond the classroom. You discover vocabulary in context, become familiar with natural sentence structures and develop a better feeling for the language.
The Leeslicht edition of Onder the Paramaribo has been adapted into accessible Dutch, making it suitable for adult Dutch language learners at A2/B1 level.
Travel through language
A good book can take you somewhere new — even while sitting on the sofa. Onder the Paramaribo invites you to discover a different part of the Dutch-speaking world while practicing your Dutch.
So, if you are looking for a book that combines language learning with culture, history and a personal story, this is a beautiful choice for your Dutch learning journey.
